I'm wanting to start out slow adding HP to my 97 vette. What lt headers are the best out there? Also will I have to do any modifications to the car when I install them?
Thanks for any advice- you guys are great!

 

You might want to do a search on long tube headers, there are many threads and many opinions.

To realize the full potential of long tube headers a tune is recommended.

 

Yes, a tune is needed and depending on if you go cat or cat-less you may need to use rear sensors up front.
Everyone will post what they have on their car and why its the best. But all will be doing the same basic idea.
My recommendation would be ARH as far as fitment and performance from what I hear.

 

If you are doing the job yourself, you might want to make the decision based on which are easiest to install.

Performance-wise, Kooks are pretty mean from my experience. But they are very painful to install. ARH gets big thumbs up here on corvetteforum for their ease of install.

You'll probably want to buy an X-pipe as well.

 

I love my Kooks!

They are quiet and they do the job.

Installation for me was a breeze as I had the heads off at the time.

 

Your's are quiet? Mine are anything but quiet.

They sound very mean though, tons of compliments.

 

i was gonna say, my Kooks definitely aren't quiet lol

 

Dude...XS Power LT's and X Pipe.

 

Holy smokes! Thats like asking whats the best BEER! They all are good and they all fulfill the same goal but, its more of a personal decision..

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL????? BUDGET? Performance? Fit? Quality? SHOW?

What MODS do you have and what FUTURE MODS will you install???

TOUGH decisions...

Heres my 2 CENTS!

If you want a quality header that fits very nice, will not break the bank and does NOT sacrifice power,, go for the NON NAME BRAND "XS POWER" Headers. Contact forum member SUPERMAN09 for details.

If you want a NAME BRAND (MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE) header that is proven and used by too many successful C5/C6 racers to mention,, Pick ARH, Stainless Works or KOOKS..
Will you gain significantly over the lesser headers.. Most likely not depending on the END USE! If you have SIGNIFICANT MODS and need to EEEK out every last DROP OF HP/TQ from your engine,,, stick with the name brand headere but dish out the extra cash for the RACE SERIES headers. LG ($$$$$$$$$$$$$) comes to mind..


I have installed Stainless Works, ARH and XS Power headers. I can install each one in a little over 3 hrs with out any issues.
I know Nick at ARH personally and his product quality, customer service and warranty is second to none! All the people at Stainless Works will go out of their way to resolve any issues. Fit finish and performance is outstanding! Superman 09 will also quickly resolve any issues that you have and the COST vs Performance can NOT be beat!. KOOKS has a really cool stepped header.. Outstanding quality and seems to be doing excellent in setting new records.. Contact Justin at ZIP Products for all your needs! EXCELLENT CUSTERMOR SUPPORT AND KNOWLEDGE!!!!!!!!!!!

SO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, PICK YOUR POISON!

I can NOT say anything bad about any of the headers mentioned.




Bill

 

Start slowly? Just do a dyno tune.

 

works for me.....

 

Bill,
Thank you for the explicit information and for your contribution to this forum! I find it invaluable.
And by the way, Miller Lite here!

Robert

 

Lol
I love reading all the comments... Budget is a factor... Final question: if I go with a no-name header, is there going to be any difference between that and inexpensive header?
Thanks everybody for your comments I really appreciate it...

 

Just type in Superman09 in the search box here on the forum site. You will see XSPower in one of his posts. Go to that post and read how many forum members are in line for the next shipment of XSPower headers. The cost is little more than half of the brand names mentioned here and various threads attest to their ease of installation and member satisfaction. BTW the next shipment is due in 2 to 3 weeks. Just my .02.

 

the only difference will be minimal gains/ sounds.

 

Look at the best price you can find used, all the top names have been mentioned. Look for a good price on someone who sold their car and has a pair sitting around.

 

In terms of features, Kooks have everything of any other premium brand. 304 stainless, merge spikes, merge collectors. Other features like ball and socket connections not everyone has. On top of that, if you call us for our special forum pricing @ 443-730-9428, the great deals make the choice easy

 

From what Ive read over the years on here ARH and LG are some of the easiest to install, I personally have LG and while they were a little hard to get lined up and sealed the fit was excellent and they have some of the longest primaries on the market. ARH dont have the issues with exhaust leaks like LG does but the primaries are a little shorter. If I had to do it again I would go with LG and get some grade 8 nuts and bolts along with some high temp rtv so I wouldnt have to worry about exhaust leaks.